The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-11-11
PREPARING FOR THE WORST.
Talk with General Terry to the Possible
EmpIoYmen1 Of United States Troops.

Talk with General Terry to the Possible
Employment of United States Troops.
CHICAGO Nov. 10.-Many expressions of opin-
ion and much conjecture have been INDUCED in
during the last day or two to the actual or
ders, if any, which the United States troops now
at Highwoo6 were under, and as to how promptly
they might be transferred to this city in
their presence became necessary. A reporter
this morning saw General Terry at the military
headquarters, and asked if any preparations had
been made for the transfer of the United States
troops now at Highwood in case they are wanted
here.
.'After the execution, and after the disturb
ance, should any occur, may be willing to talk
about it," the General replied; 'but consider
it bad form and poor policy for army officer
to outline his arranged plans for action in ad
vance"
''How long would it take to get the men here,
after orders had been issuedF was asked.
THAT would depend upon the railway COM
pany. So far as the troops are concerned, they
can be ready in a very short space OF time after
they receive orders"
''In the troops needed here, who
would issue the order for them to mover
'In case Governor Oglesby should determine
that the State militia and city authorities
not strong cope with any trouble that might
arise he would telegraph to the President and
instructions would be forwarded to me here. 1
would then take action in accordance with my
instructions from Washington.
''Row long would that formality take2"
Probably not very long. 1t would be done
by wire, and promptly possible"
''Is it not fact that precautionary measures
have been taken which would abridge the
cessty of this formaity, and enable you to call
the troops here at oucel'
~ cannot answer that question, way
the other" the General concluded.
1t has been stated In connection with the gov
eminent troops at Highwood, that nothing has
been left uudone which would insure their i'm
mediate transfer to this city in such action
becomes necessary; that a special train has been
arranged fo-. and that at the first evidence of
the State militia being inadequate to the de-
mands made upon it. the regulars could be
rushed down to the city. armed to the teeth and
ready for whatever might be expected of them
in inst thirty minutes from the time orders had
been received at Highwood
'What preparations have you made against
possible trouble result of to-morrows
cutionF' asked a reporter of General Fitzsim-
mons. brigade commander OF the Illinois State
Militia
II can outline no plans" was the Generals
repSy. ''It would not be policy for me to do
I will cay, however that $50 men in the Second
Regimen: and 500 in the First can be thrown
into the field for action at very short notice.
Also that 800 men in the Third Regiment and
400 in the Fourth can be added the force of
the First and Second Regiments within proba-
bly three hours time. l do not anticipate any
serious trouble
General Terry expresses the opinion that the
State militia OF the city will prove to be all that
the citizens of Chicago could expect them be.
.'They are a responsib BILE looking set of men,
said he, land what have seen of them leads me
to believe that they are in every way capable OF
doing good work"
II deprecate the necessity for summary
ton upon the part of troops and police in
connection with troubles of this kind" said Gen.
Fitzsimmons but 1 tell you that if these
wretched enemies of law, order and society give
us cause for action there will be no such lenien-
CIV extended them as there has been in the past"
sWill your men blank cartridges, or fire
over the heads of the crowd, in case Of an order
to fire?'
The lines in the face of the grey-headed COM
mander deepeued trihe as he knocked the
ashes from his cigar. 1--WE have no blank cart
ridges" he said quickly, land will not fire unless
we fire to do execution"